Wyatt wished they had better evidence than odd poems, only one of them with the name of a woman they knew had worked for Hawkins. “I’d like to have more proof to take to the sheriff but . . .”

“We’ll show these to Rachel.” Kevin clapped him on the shoulder.

“That’s right, she knows the names of the two missing women. These poems, along with what evidence Rachel has, might be enough to bring Hawkins in for questioning, then the sheriff can go through that safe. Having left any other letters in there might be better proof than if we have them and the sheriff has only Molly’s word where they came from.”

“I’ll be ready to leave with the women when you get up there.” Kevin turned for the house.

Wyatt watched him go at a run. Wyatt’s heart sped up as he thought of how close they were to stopping a murderer, and if they didn’t accomplish that, at least they’d be getting out of here.

Nineteen

Cheyenne didn’t want Rachel alone with Kingston, even if alone included the sheriff and the doctor. They might not be suspicious enough.

She was running by the time she reached the doctor’s office. Rachel lay unconscious, a good bandage covering her dress that the doctor had cut open. Her coat hung next to her. Blood soaked, too, but it would serve for modesty.

“As soon as she wakes up, we’re going home,” Cheyenne said. “Kingston has connections back near Bear Claw Pass and my brother and sister may be in danger.”

The doctor stopped working over Kingston and turned to listen to every word.

The sheriff came up out of his chair, his brow furrowed. “Tell me what you’ve found that’s upset you so much.”

Cheyenne took turns with Falcon telling them every detail.

She’d brought the picture along, too.

“I’m going to send a few wires,” Gatlin said. “Track down this school. If you’re right about him being a brother to Clovis, then that school oughta be able to tell me his real name. I can see if there are any wanted posters. I can also see if there’s any proof he ever studied the law. And maybe that’ll help me figure out how he paid for that big house. He had to’ve come in here with money because he sure as certain never made enough working here in Casper to pay for it.”

Cheyenne went to Rachel’s side. Her face was pale as milk. Her eyes remained closed. She breathed steadily. “You stitched her up, right, Doc?”